Exercises C1 : practice Discourse structures in English (answers)

These exercises are designed to reinforce the key concepts from your course on discourse structures in English. You will practise applying cohesion, coherence, and text organisation to move beyond correctness towards genuine fluency.

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Exercise 1 : Cohesion in Context

Fill in each blank with the most appropriate cohesive device to complete the sentence meaningfully.

1. The report highlighted several weaknesses in the supply chain; ___, it proposed a series of targeted reforms to address them.
2. She had prepared extensively for the presentation. ___, the unexpected technical failure left her unable to display her slides.
3. The organisation expanded its operations into three new markets. ___ rapid growth, however, created significant internal pressures.
4. The committee reviewed the proposal thoroughly; ___, a final decision was postponed until all stakeholders had been consulted.

Correction

1. The report highlighted several weaknesses in the supply chain; furthermore, it proposed a series of targeted reforms to address them.
2. She had prepared extensively for the presentation. Nevertheless, the unexpected technical failure left her unable to display her slides.
3. The organisation expanded its operations into three new markets. This rapid growth, however, created significant internal pressures.
4. The committee reviewed the proposal thoroughly; nonetheless, a final decision was postponed until all stakeholders had been consulted.

Exercise 2 : Spotting Incoherence

Each sentence contains a discourse error that disrupts coherence or text organisation. Identify and correct it by rewriting the full sentence.

1. The data clearly supported the hypothesis. In addition, the experiment was considered a failure by the research team.
2. Firstly, the government introduced new environmental regulations. Finally, public awareness campaigns were launched.
3. The article examined the economic consequences of the crisis. For example, it concluded that long-term recovery would require structural reforms.
4. She argued that remote work increases productivity. Therefore, many employees reported feeling isolated and disengaged.

Correction

1. The data clearly supported the hypothesis. However, the experiment was considered a failure by the research team.
2. Firstly, the government introduced new environmental regulations. Subsequently, public awareness campaigns were launched.
3. The article examined the economic consequences of the crisis. Ultimately, it concluded that long-term recovery would require structural reforms.
4. She argued that remote work increases productivity. However, many employees reported feeling isolated and disengaged.

Exercise 3 : Understanding Text Organisation

Choose the answer that best describes the discourse function of the underlined portion in each sentence.

1. "The study had three main limitations. To begin with, the sample size was too small to allow generalisation." What is the discourse function of 'To begin with'?
   • It introduces a contrasting idea to challenge the previous statement.
   • It signals the first item in a structured list of points.
   • It summarises the argument made in the preceding clause.
   • It introduces an example to illustrate a general claim.
2. "The policy was widely praised. That said, several economists warned of its potential long-term risks." What role does 'That said' play here?
   • It reinforces and elaborates on the point made in the first clause.
   • It introduces a concessive nuance that qualifies the preceding positive statement.
   • It signals a logical consequence drawn from the previous observation.
   • It marks a chronological transition between two events.
3. "Urbanisation brings numerous economic benefits. It does, however, place considerable strain on public infrastructure." What is the function of 'however' in this sentence?
   • It adds supporting evidence to strengthen the preceding claim.
   • It introduces a contradiction that invalidates the previous statement entirely.
   • It signals a contrast or counterpoint to the idea expressed in the first sentence.
   • It provides a temporal frame for the information that follows.
4. "Several factors contributed to the project's success. Chief among these was the team's ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances." What does 'Chief among these' achieve?
   • It introduces an unrelated anecdote to illustrate a broader point.
   • It marks a shift in topic towards a completely different aspect of the discussion.
   • It creates cohesion by referring back to the factors mentioned and highlighting the most significant one.
   • It signals the conclusion of the argument and invites the reader to reflect.

Correction

1. It signals the first item in a structured list of points.
2. It introduces a concessive nuance that qualifies the preceding positive statement.
3. It signals a contrast or counterpoint to the idea expressed in the first sentence.
4. It creates cohesion by referring back to the factors mentioned and highlighting the most significant one.